Britain’s “anti-doping system is working” – British Cycling president Bob Howden

British Cycling president Bob Howden says that the anti-doping measures are working, despite three amateur doping violations since December Bob Howden British Cycling president Bob Howden says that Rob Townsend’s positive test for doping is proof that anti-doping measures are working.

Townsend, 46, is banned from all sporting competition until October 2019 following ruling by UK Anti-Doping authority, after the Team Swift rider testing positive for the stimulant modafinil in a 100-mile time trial in September.

His suspension follows that of Andrew Hastings , while Gabriel Evans is awaiting his sanction after admitting using EPO during the Junior 10-mile Championships in 2015.

Howden, who received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list , was saddened by the latest doping case to hit the sport – in particular its amateur ranks – but decided to highlight the positive preventive work.

“This case highlights the clear position that UKAD and British Cycling share – that banned substances have no place in sport and riders caught with banned substances in their system will not be allowed to compete,” Howden said.

“British Cycling’s anti-doping culture is strong and we work closely with UKAD to deter all forms of doping and ensure that anyone falling foul of […]